Can Rams 2026 coaching staff fix the offense?

Rams 2026 coaching staff: Final roster and why it matters
The Rams finalized their coaching roster for 2026, closing a key offseason chapter. Rams 2026 coaching staff changes include hires, promotions, and role shifts that affect offense and special teams. Therefore, fans and analysts are watching closely ahead of spring practices.
Coaching structure updates arrived after a thorough internal review. This update matters because coaching choices determine play design, player development, and in game adjustments. Sean McVay and his assistants aim to balance continuity and fresh ideas. However, new faces such as Kliff Kingsbury and Nate Scheelhaase signal targeted shifts on offense. As a result, expectations for scheme tweaks and personnel development will rise. This piece will explain the likely offensive and defensive impacts.
The article breaks down each hire and promotion, with context and likely effects. Additionally, it highlights how the moves fit the Rams 2026 coaching staff blueprint. Read on for a neutral, fact based overview of what to expect this season. We present clear notes on roles, backgrounds, and expected contributions this season.

Rams 2026 coaching staff hires and promotions
The Rams confirmed a series of targeted hires and internal promotions. These moves emphasize offense, pass defense, and special teams. As a result, the staff now blends experience and new voices.
Key hires and promotions
- Kliff Kingsbury — Assistant Head Coach, former NFL offensive play-caller.
- Nate Scheelhaase — Promoted to Offensive Coordinator, expected to shape play design.
- Jimmy Lake — Promoted to Pass Game Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach.
- Robert Woods — New hire, Assistant Wide Receivers Coach.
- Robert Wright — New hire, Defensive Assistant, arrives from Syracuse.
- Michael Hunter — New hire, Assistant Defensive Backs Coach, joins from Ohio State.
- Brian Johnson — New hire, Senior Offensive Assistant.
- Rob Calabrese — Promoted to Wide Receivers Coach from Offensive Assistant.
- Eric Yarber — Moved to Senior Offensive Assistant and Wide Receivers role.
- Brian Allen — Joined Zak Kromer as Assistant Offensive Line Coach.
- Bubba Ventrone — Hired to lead Special Teams.
- Kyle Hoke — Hired to co-lead Special Teams.
These adjustments point to a clearer offensive focus because the team elevated an Offensive Coordinator. Additionally, the secondary and pass defense receive attention with a dedicated Defensive Backs Coach. Fans can read the official staff breakdown for more context at official staff breakdown. For background on Les Snead’s roster strategy see Les Snead’s strategy. Also check offseason timing and practice windows at offseason dates. The mix of promotions and proven hires should speed installation. Therefore, expect schematic tweaks and clearer roles in spring drills. For a primer on coordinator responsibilities, see the NFL coaching guide. Coaching stability under Sean McVay could accelerate quarterback and receiver development, especially with the new Senior Offensive Assistants. Also, expect clearer progress in spring work and preseason camps.
| Coach Name | New Role | Previous Role or Background | Notable Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kliff Kingsbury | Assistant Head Coach | Former NFL offensive play-caller | Replaced Aubrey Pleasant as Assistant Head Coach |
| Nate Scheelhaase | Offensive Coordinator | Promoted from within; offensive assistant background | Elevated to lead offense and play design |
| Jimmy Lake | Pass Game Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach | Promoted from Senior Defensive Assistant | Takes primary role for pass defense and DBs |
| Robert Woods | Assistant Wide Receivers Coach | Former NFL wide receiver; coaching newcomer | New addition to WR coaching room |
| Robert Wright | Defensive Assistant | Hired from Syracuse University staff | Adds college defensive perspective |
| Michael Hunter | Assistant Defensive Backs Coach | Hired from Ohio State University staff | Strengthens secondary coaching depth |
| Brian Johnson | Senior Offensive Assistant | New hire with NFL/college experience | Supports scheme and quarterback work |
| Rob Calabrese | Wide Receivers Coach | Promoted from Offensive Assistant | Internal promotion to lead WRs |
| Eric Yarber | Senior Offensive Assistant and Wide Receivers | Moved into senior WR support role | Shifted responsibilities in passing game |
| Brian Allen | Assistant Offensive Line Coach | Joined from previous NFL/college roles | Partners with Zak Kromer on O line development |
| Bubba Ventrone | Special Teams Coach | Hired with prior NFL special teams background | Co-leads special teams unit |
| Kyle Hoke | Special Teams Coach | Hired with college and NFL experience | Co-leads special teams unit |
| Aubrey Pleasant | Departed staff | Former Assistant Head Coach/DB coach | Left the Rams; role replaced by Kingsbury |
Offensive impact of Rams 2026 coaching staff
The Rams 2026 coaching staff changes shift emphasis toward offensive consistency and innovation. Nate Scheelhaase’s promotion to Offensive Coordinator signals a clearer playcalling voice. Therefore, the offense should see faster installation and more defined game planning.
Scheelhaase brings continuity because he knows the personnel and existing schemes. Additionally, Brian Johnson arrives as a Senior Offensive Assistant to sharpen scheme details and quarterback work. Kliff Kingsbury joins as Assistant Head Coach, and his passing expertise could influence routing and tempo. As a result, expect more emphasis on passing concepts and receiver usage.
Key offensive effects
- Faster schematic installation because a dedicated Offensive Coordinator now leads play design.
- More passing focus as Kingsbury and senior assistants bring aerial concepts.
- Improved quarterback development since Johnson and senior assistants will add targeted coaching.
- Wide receiver growth with Rob Calabrese and Robert Woods supporting route work and technique.
- Better offensive line cohesion through Brian Allen partnering with Zak Kromer on fundamentals.
- Special teams remain separate, yet clearer offensive roles may reduce in-game confusion.
These coaching staff changes should also affect playcalling balance. For example, Scheelhaase may mix quick game concepts with play action. However, the Rams still rely on Sean McVay’s overarching philosophy, so changes will be evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Consequently, fans should expect schematic tweaks, not a full overhaul.
In short, the offensive strategy will likely emphasize timing and receiver routes. Because the staff blends internal promotions with experienced hires, execution should improve early. Finally, spring practices and training camp will reveal how quickly the offense adapts to these coaching staff changes.
Conclusion
The Rams 2026 coaching staff brings notable hires and internal promotions that aim to refine the offense and shore up the secondary. Nate Scheelhaase’s promotion to Offensive Coordinator creates clearer offensive leadership. Additionally, Kliff Kingsbury’s role as Assistant Head Coach adds passing expertise and strategic depth. Brian Johnson and Eric Yarber strengthen quarterback and receiver coaching, while Rob Calabrese and Robert Woods focus on route technique and timing.
On defense, Jimmy Lake’s promotion to Pass Game Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach tightens the secondary strategy. Special teams receive veteran attention with Bubba Ventrone and Kyle Hoke. Overall, the mix of continuity and new voices suggests evolution rather than overhaul. Therefore, expect cleaner installation in spring practices and sharper in-game adjustments.
Rams News LLC will continue to track developments at ramsnews.com and on Twitter @ZachGatsby. Looking ahead, the staff changes set realistic expectations for improved execution and measured offensive growth in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the biggest changes in the Rams 2026 coaching staff?
The staff combines internal promotions and new hires. Nate Scheelhaase moved up to Offensive Coordinator. Kliff Kingsbury joined as Assistant Head Coach. Jimmy Lake now serves as Pass Game Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach. Additionally, Rob Calabrese and Eric Yarber took expanded receiver roles. These moves aim to sharpen offensive play design and secondary coverage.
Who will lead offensive game planning?
Nate Scheelhaase will lead offensive game planning as Offensive Coordinator. Therefore, he will oversee play design and weekly playcalling inputs. Brian Johnson and senior offensive assistants will support quarterback work and schematic details.
Will the offense look different under this staff?
Expect evolutionary changes rather than a full overhaul. However, Kingsbury and senior assistants bring more passing concepts and tempo ideas. As a result, timing routes and receiver usage may increase. Meanwhile, Sean McVay retains overall offensive philosophy.
Who oversees pass defense and defensive backs?
Jimmy Lake now oversees the pass defense and coaches the defensive backs. Additionally, Michael Hunter joins as Assistant Defensive Backs Coach to strengthen the unit.
When should fans expect to see results from these coaching staff changes?
Look for early signs in spring practices and OTAs. Training camp will show clearer implementation. Finally, preseason and the early regular season will reveal larger offensive and defensive trends.